7 APR 2014

		Despite the great jump weather Friday, no one came out until the clouds started to roll in on Saturday. Early that morning, many were on hand to make a spectacular balloon jump, but only the first group got to make it, as it soon became too windy for the balloon to make any more flights that morning. But it wasn't too windy for students, and the overcast was high enough for Sidney Hoelscher to work on more advanced free fall skills with Li'l Buddy And two new jumpers got to do their first training tandems. Kyle Austin made it back and had a fun jump with Scott and Brian Lancaster, aka "Sacajawea," jumped with Steve after taking the FJC earlier this week from Scott. Welcome Kyle and Brian!
CANOPY CONTROL COURSE RESCHEDULED TO THIS SUNDAY		There is still time to sign up for this great class, now moved to this Sunday, April 13th! Anyone from students already on their solo jumps to experienced skydivers can learn something valuable; and this class is required for getting your B license (A at Skydive Temple). Class will be rain or shine, starting at 9am. You must be paid up and secure gear rental (if needed) by 9 a.m. Cost is $45 (plus rental gear if needed) plus 3 hop and pops from 5,500 and 3,500”. Returning students (those who have taken the course within the past year) cost is only $15 for the class (plus gear and jumps) Please email Ilya@Skydivetemple.com or facebook Ilya Kats to confirm.
		HAVE YOU MET ZACH? When he was seven years old, Zach Bowen saw a demo jump on South Padre Island, and decided he wanted to be a skydiver: at 18, he started jumping. Currently, Zach serves at Ft. Hood, but when he can, he comes out and helps take tandem passengers for a ride. He is also a member of the Texas National Guard Demo Parachute team, inspiring new seven year olds. Zach also earned his private pilots license, and flies a quick silver light sport plane when he can. One of these days he hopes to get back to doing more fun jumps!
HOT AIR BALLOON JUMPS THIS WEEK		For anyone wanting to make a balloon jump, but were not able to, the balloon guys will be available this week to launch from Skydive Temple. Contact Mark Mark, or respond to the invite on the Skydive Temple phun jumper's Facebook page to sign up. Cost is still $125 per jumper per jump, and you must have at least a B-license to jump.
		DID YOU KNOW... You can access the United States Parachute Association's Skydiver Information Manual online for free! Chock-full of basic safety recommendations, advanced skill requirements, license and rating information and acting as a repository for the accumulated wisdom of the sport, the SIM is something every jumper should have access to. You can buy a hardcopy, download the smartphone app for android or iOS,(search "USPA" in the app store) download the .pdf file, or simply read the SIM online in a web browser. While the online version isn't currently linked to, you can still access it if you know the url; here is the link to Section 4, the Integrated Student Program, that includes the quizzes and jump videos which the current smartphone app lacks.
SAFETY TIP OF THE WEEK		Last week, you read how you can adjust your landing pattern in high winds. This week: what to do in light or zero winds. It's easy to overshoot the target on calm days. A common hazardous mistake: S-turn in the pattern to bleed off altitude; this greatly increases the risk of canopy collisions, and confuses and alarms everyone else in the pattern. Instead, depending on the area you are overflying, if space permits, move the pattern entry point both farther upwind and farther to the side of the target, increasing the downwind leg, and increasing the length of the base leg. Enlarging the pattern this way allows you to bleed off altitude safely and predictably. If space permits, you can also delay the turn to base and take the downwind leg even farther downwind -- this also increases the length of your final approach leg. Remember to keep a sharp lookout for other traffic, especially when in the pattern. There are other techniques and control input you can use as well: more advanced skills you learn and practice in the canopy control course. Everyone can benefit from some focus and practice, so sign up for the next one you can attend!
Contact Skydive Temple at 254-947-3483 or email jump@skydivetemple.com